Gold is of course a safe investment.
It is indeed welcome to own several grams or even kilos for individual investment or ornamental purpose and at one's own will.
But in some of the Indian Communities it is mandatory that the bride should have kilos of gold with her.

Girls need to realize from schooldays that it is a shame if society imposes some restraint just because you are feminine. You are no way less than your counterpart so that you should carry dowry [ in the form of gold] with you.
It is because of these social menace birth of a girl child adds frown to parents' forehead!!
Fortunately most parts of India it's not practised in educaetd society.
Unless we overcome our attitude, we cannot be considered 'developed' despite all economic reforms!!